Lifetime Driver's License Suspension in Ohio

Index

Can I file to modify or terminate my lifetime driver’s license suspension in Ohio?

Yes. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to modify or terminate your lifetime driver’s license suspension or a class two suspension of at least 15 years.

You must wait 15 years if your license was suspended as a result of a felony conviction.
- During that 15 years, you cannot have any of the following:
  - A moving violation offense
  - A violation for driving under suspension
You must wait 5 years if your license was suspended as a result of a misdemeanor conviction.
- During that 5 years, you cannot have any of the following:
  - A moving violation offense
  - A violation for Vehicular Homicide or Vehicular Assault
  - A violation for driving under suspension
You must have car insurance and an SR-22 bond from your insurance company.
If the suspension was a result of the person being under the influence or alcohol or drugs, you must complete the following:
- Successfully complete an alcohol or drug treatment program
- Have not abused alcohol or drugs for a period that satisfies the court
- Have not been convicted of any alcohol or drug related offenses.

An attorney can file a motion with the court. This is done at the court that suspended your license.
It is important that you hire an attorney for this process. If the court holds a hearing and denies the motion, then you are never allowed to file again.
An attorney can discuss with the judge and prosecutor beforehand to determine what the outcome may be. If your attorney believes that the judge will deny the motion, they will withdraw the motion and wait to file at future date. It’s likely the judge may want you to wait longer or complete certain classes. Your attorney can find these things out before the hearing.
Even if the judge chooses to modify your suspension, they can reinstate the original terms if you have any moving violations in the future. You must drive carefully after a modification of a lifetime license suspension.

Yes. There are certain types of suspensions that you cannot apply to modify or terminate in Ohio. These suspensions are:
- Lifetime suspension for Vehicular Homicide
- Lifetime suspension for Vehicular Assault
- Class two suspension for Vehicular Homicide
- Class two suspension for Felonious Assault
- Class two suspension for an attempt to commit an offense
- Class two suspension for Murder
This means that you will never be able to get a valid driver’s license.
However, there is good news. Courts in Ohio have ruled that a court can grant limited driving privileges for these lifetime suspensions. Limited driving privileges do not count as a modification.
- In addition, you may apply for privileges as many times as you want. Even if the court has a hearing and denies the motion, you are still eligible to reapply for privileges.
It is still very difficult to convince a judge to grant you driving privileges for a lifetime suspension. These suspensions often come from a vehicular homicide or assault so they are leery about granting privileges. The victim’s family are often at these hearings and they usually object.
Contact Meis Law and we will assess your lifetime driver’s license suspension in Ohio and determine which avenue you may be eligible for. We have years of experience all over central Ohio with lifetime driver’s license suspension issues.